John is one of Canada’s Canon Ambassadors. His work has been published in: National Geographic Adventure, Backpacker, Canadian Geographic, Reader’s Digest, Outdoor Photography Canada, Photolife, Ranger Rick and OWL. John operates Canadian Wildlife Photography Tours, a company that leads multiple tours and workshops each year to places like Haida Gwaii, the Great Bear Rainforest, and the edges of Hudson Bay in Nunavut. He has also published several books, including the best sellers: Banff & Lake Louise, and Tall Tales, Long Lenses.

Samantha Stephens is a biologist turned photographer for science and conservation. She uses visual storytelling to communicate scientific research, especially when that research is relevant to conservation issues. Her work has appeared in bioGraphic, National Wildlife Magazine, National Geographic, and Photo Life Magazine.

Jillian Brown is a Canadian documentary photographer known for taking her cameras to extremes and pushing herself to the brink to share a story and share the power of connecting to the natural world. She has been published in: Sidetracked Magazine, Gripped Magazine, Canoe Kayak Magazine, Paddling Magazine, Canadian Geographic, and many more!

Christine is Madaoueskarini Algonquin and mixed settler. Her work through Waaseyaa Consulting and Cultural Tours is centered around creating spaces for Indigenous peoples to share their knowledge. She is dedicated to reviving and celebrating Indigenous ancestral knowledge and culture-based practices through educational opportunities. A graduate of Acadia University, Christine is now completing her Masters Degree at Trent University on the subject of Algonquin Park as a wilderness space and the continued impacts on her Algonquin community.

Mike and Ella McIntosh operate Bear With Us, founded in 1992. This registered Canadian charity’s mission focuses on: black bear rehabilitation, black bear education, operating a bear sanctuary, and helping solve bear/human conflicts across Ontario.